KYOTO COLUMN

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2020.10.28

The roses at Kyoto Botanical Garden are at their best

The Kyoto Botanical Garden is perfect for going out under the refreshing autumn sky.Within a vast area of 240,000 square meters, about 12000 kinds of plants are grown.Currently, autumn flowers such as cosmos, salvia, chrysanthemum and rose are in full bloom.In particular, about 320 varieties and 1400 roses were planted in Western-style gardens.The best time to see roses is twice a year, from mid-May to early June and from mid-October to mid-November.In contrast to the flamboyant spring roses, autumn roses are characterized by their deep colors and rich aroma.Taking advantage of the scenery of Mt. Hiei, "rose garden" is one of the most scenic spots in the vast grounds.Also, do you know there is a shrine on the grounds of Kyoto Botanical Garden?Nakaragi-jinja Shrine is a sub-shrine outside the precinct of Kamigamo-jinja Shrine (Kamowakeikazuchi-jinja Shrine) located northwest of the park in Nagagi no Mori.It is written as "半木" and read "Nakaragi" and it has existed since before the botanical garden was built.It is a shrine that became the origin of the name of "Nakaragi no Michi" on the left bank of Kamogawa River on the east side of the botanical garden.It is known as the guardian god of textile industry in ancient times and is said to be the birthplace of Kyoto silk fabric.There are many maple trees in the Nagagi forest, and you can also enjoy the beauty of the autumn leaves in the coming season!From Saturday, November 14 to 29th "Illumination of the world's autumn leaves" will be held.Kyoto Botanical GardenShimogamo Hangicho, Sakyo-ward, Kyoto-city, KyotoVery close to Kitayama Subway Station

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2020.10.27

"Autumn Used Book Festival" will be held at Hyakumanben Chion-ji Temple

"Three Great Old Books Festival in Kyoto" sponsored by Kyoto Kosho Kenkyukai.It is a popular event held at Miyako Messe in spring, Tadasu no Mori of Shimogamo Shrine in summer, and Hyakumanben Chion-ji temple in autumn.This year, the "antiquarian book sale" in spring and the "Shimogamo Noryo Furuhon Matsuri" in summer have been cancelled.I'm looking forward to the "Autumn Used Book Festival" held at Hyakumanben Chion-ji Temple.From Friday, October 30 to November 3 (Celebrations/Tuesday), the old book festival takes place in the grounds of Chion-ji Temple.Looking for books under the refreshing autumn sky can be said to be the best part of "Autumn Used Book Festival".It is only here in Japan that the memorial service for old books is held before the first day of the old book festival.It is introduced along with "fall of sports" and "fall of appetite" "fall of reading".October 27 is designated as the "reading day" and the 2-week "reading week" begins on this day.The bargain you find at the Used Book Festival may lead you to fruitful reading time.*In some circumstances, the event may be aborted.Autumn Used Book FestivalFriday, October 30 - November 3 (Celebrations/Tuesday)103 Tanaka Monzen-cho , Sakyo Ward , Kyoto City (Hyakumanben Chion-ji Temple)3 minutes walk from the City bus stop, Hyakumanben

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2020.10.26

"Hokyo-ji Temple" "Fall Doll Exhibition" with a fragrant osmanthus

When I walk outside in this season, the sweet smell of osmanthus tickles my nose.One of Kyoto's most famous spots for osmanthus trees is "Hokyo-ji Temple in Horikawa-Teranouchi.The temple is said to have been founded during the Oan era (1368 - 75) by Karinnomiya Egon Zenni, the daughter of Emperor Kogon.It is a Amamonzeki temple where successive princesses served as chief priests after 1644.The temple is usually closed to the public, but a small gate is open, and when you go through the gate, you will see a osmanthus tree.In addition to gold osmanthus fragrans, silver osmanthus fragrans and mochinoki tree are also planted.When you pass by, why don't you go through a small gate and gently love her?The Hokyo-ji Temple was also called "Dodo Gosho" as successive princesses served at the temple.She owns many dolls that were given to her by the emperor, and is also known as the "Doll Temple".It is open to the public at the spring and autumn doll exhibition, and in 2020, "Fall Doll Exhibition" will be held from November 1 to 15th.Why don't you take this opportunity to visit a temple that is not usually open to the public?A Ningyo-zuka (Doll monument) is built in the precincts, and Goshuin with a stamp of Ningyo-zuka is given.*The holding of "doll exhibition" may change depending on the situation.Old Hyakugosho Hokyo-ji Temple547 Dodo-cho, Teranouchi-dori Higashi-iru, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto City1 minute walk from the Horikawa-Teranouchi City bus stop

BLOGEvent

2020.10.15

Exhibition of calligrapher Tomoko Kawao 'TRACES'

'KG + 2020 KYOTOGRAPHIE Kyoto International Photo Exhibition' is held until Sunday, October 18. We introduce an exhibition by Tomoko Kawao, a calligrapher who is also familiar with 'Chishin Kyoto'.The official SATELLITE EVENT program, PHOTO EXHIBITION 'TRACES'. Under the theme of "visualize the invisible parts of a book" which Mr. Kawao is working on every day, "Traces", works produced in collaboration with programmer Mr. Ikeda Kosei will be exhibited.Rinsho is one of the discipline of calligraphy, which is the copying of classics. It's not just about transcribing, it's about reliving the writer's movements and movements.This time, the beauty of Kawao's unique "MOVEMENT" is transmitted visually from a three-dimensional perspective built together with Ikeda. The 3D motion of the brush is captured by motion capture, so it can be visualized.In the hall, there will be 12 pieces of photo works such as "風" (Wind), "心" (Heart) and "今" (Now) which are kanji representing things you can't see, and one piece of video work. Some of them are over 3 meters long!Why not take this opportunity to see "a three-dimensional form of writing created by writers and programmers"?'KYOTO GRAPHIE Kyoto International Photo Exhibition' is held every spring. The 2020 event was held in autumn to prevent the spread of a new coronavirus infection.PHOTO EXHIBITION 'TRACES' is being held at "Bijuu Gallery" in Shijokiyacho.■PHOTO EXHIBITION 'TRACES'Open: from 14 o'clock to 20 o'clock until Sunday, October 18Venue: Bijuu Gallery (B1 Murakami Shigeru Building, 194, Funato-cho, Kiyamachi-dori Shijo-sagaru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto)Access: 1 minute walk from Hankyu Kyoto Kawaramachi StationPlease check the website for details.https://kawaotomoko.com/traces/

BLOGShop

2020.10.12

Shimogamo "Gratin House La Vienna"

When autumn comes, what food do you miss?I like hot gratin more than anything else.I like to cook it at home, but the gratin I eat at the restaurant is also special.If the restaurant is a retro western style house, I feel even more excited.For me, a dreamlike place is "Gratin House La Vienna".We met at a quiet corner where we walked west from Kitayama subway station and went south on Shimogamohon-dori for about 10 minutes.As the name suggests, this Western style cafe is famous for its gratin and doria.In gratin and doria, white miso of Kyoto is used as a secret ingredient in milk and soy milk.I couldn't decide which to choose from various menus, and I chose "Shrimp macaroni gratin lunch" on this day.We could have a special seats with a view of the hydrophobic from the bay window.I had a blissful time that made me want to sit here and eat gratin all the time.In addition to gratin and doria, there are also Western dishes such as spaghetti and omurice.At lunch time, we can use it for a cup of tea, so how about taking a break from "Walking around Shimogamo"?A pleasant location within walking distance to the Kyoto Botanical Garden and the Kamogawa River is also attractive.Gratin House La Vienna51 Shimogamo Kitazono-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture10 minutes walk from Kitayama Station on the subwayHere is for Western food of Kyoto, "Yoshoku Norakuro"Here is for Takagi Coffee Takatsuji Honten (Main Store)

BLOGWalking

2020.10.08

"Fujibakama Festival" enveloped in the fragrance of fujibakama

The Fujibakama in Kyoto is at its best season and has a subtle fragrance.How about going to "Fujihakama Festival" held on October 9 to 12th?Fujibakama is an endangered species and is carefully raised by the local people.It is said that there is also "Fujibakama Sansoku (three rules for Fujibakama) " of "Do not leave Kyoto" "keep out of other areas" and "produce no seeds".As a result of conservation and training, cultural buildings in Nakagyo and Kamigyo wards are displayed at this time of the year.During the period, the area of Teramachi-dori Street called "Gosho Higashi Road" and the Nijo-dori Street section became the stage for "Fujibakama Festival".The stamp rally will be held at 16 locations including Kodo (Gyogan-ji Temple), Shimo-goryo Shrine, Rakuyo Church and Niijima Kaikan.There are various shops in the precincts of Shimo-goryo-jinja Shrine, and there is a workshop where you can enjoy the seven flowers of autumn at Kodo.If you write your wish on a prayer board shaped like "Asagi-madara", it will be burned at Aizen-do in Kodo later.Asagi-madara is a butterfly with asagi color (like a light blue). It is also called "a butterfly crossing the sea".Please pay attention to the appearance of Asagimadara which is attracted by the scent of Fujibakama.Local sento are also "Fujibakama no Yu" during the festival.At Tamanoyu, you can enjoy "Fujibakama no Yu" only for three days, Friday the 9th, Saturday the 10th and Monday the 12th.Fuji Bakama contains a lot of ingredients that remove the rust of the body and promote healthy longevity.The fragrance was essential to the appearance of women in the Heian period.You may be able to enjoy the feeling of Heian aristocrats with the "Fujibakama no Yu" which recreates the bath of the time.I think I can spend a hearty time surrounded by the fragrance of fujibakama.For details of the event, please check the official website of Genji Fujibakama Kai.Here is for the official website of Genji Fujibakama Festival (Japanese site).

BLOGWalking

2020.10.06

"Meyami Jizo" at Chugen-ji Temple in Gion

October is designated as the "Eye Protection Month" and October 10 as the "Eyes Day" in Japan.I would like to take this opportunity to consciously take my eyes off the screen of a mobile phone.There must be many people who visit Jizo, which is said to bring luck around their eyes.For example, "Chugen-ji Temple" which is located in the Gion shopping district, a short distance from Keihan Gion-shijo Station.The Jizo statue enshrined in this main hall is called "Meyami Jizoson" and is popular.This Jizo statue is said to have been enshrined when the Kamo-gawa River flooded in the past.When praying to the Jizo, the rain stopped and the flood subsided, so it was called "Ameyami Jizo".There is an anecdote that Jizo saved a drowning person in a flooding river.Furthermore, the legend that he became a substitute for a person suffering from an eye disease has been changed from "Ameyami" to "Meyami".It is said that he transferred his eye disease to his right eye, which still looks red and bloodshot.October, the month for the protection of your eyes, may be a good time to visit Mayami Jizoson.Although it is located in a corner of the lively Gion shopping district, the precincts are surrounded by a calm atmosphere.Chugen-ji Temple (Meyami Jizoson)585-1, Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto City3 minutes walk from Keihan Gion-shijo StationHere is for "Nasu ari Jizo Bosatsu" in Gion ShirakawaHere is for "Koyasu Kanzeon (Taiko no sekibutsu)"

BLOGShop

2020.10.02

Focus on the virtual shop of the furoshiki specialty shop "Musubi"

October 5 is "Zero Plastic Bag Day".It has been exactly 3 months since charging for plastic bags was introduced nationwide on October 1.Nowadays, there are many people who try to "Zero Plastic Bag Day" every day.Do you carry your favorite eco bag?I use a large "furoshiki (wrapping cloth)" as an eco bag.I like the stability because I can wrap it according to what I bought.It is convenient that it is not bulky even if you have several bags with different sizes.There are many shops that sell furoshiki in Kyoto.From classical designs to collaborated items, there are many things that can be used as a picture even if it is decorated as it is.Among them, I would like to introduce you to a furoshiki specialty store that you should pay special attention to."Musubi" is produced by Yamada Senshi Co., Ltd., a Kyoto furoshiki manufacturer.In September 2020, "Virtual Musubi" opened.The inside of the Kyoto store and how to use the products are introduced in 3D on the web, and the flow is smooth.You can find your favorite one as if you were actually walking in a shop.You can purchase the items you like directly at the online shop.The Kyoto branch also holds a small-group "Furoshiki Workshop".Of course, you can also take measures to prevent infection such as social distance and wearing a mask.If you want to take this opportunity to start or master the furoshiki lifestyle, why don't you participate?For details, please check the official website of the furoshiki specialty shop Musubi.You can also enter the virtual musubi shop from the top page.Here is for the official website of the furoshiki specialty shop Musubi (Japanese site).